Australian PM abandons push for nation to become a republic just months before King Charles's royal tour

It was uncertain if the trip would be scrapped due to Charles’ ongoing cancer treatment, however Buckingham Palace announced that it would go ahead, though plans to extend the tour to New Zealand and Fiji have been scrapped.

It is not known whether the monarch will still be undergoing treatment at the time of the tour.

His arrival may not be welcomed by many republicans, already likely irate with the recent news that Anthony Albanese will not be holding a referendum for Australia to become independent from the crown.

The Australian PM has scrapped the republican ministerial role, which he created following his 2022 election.

He justified his decision by stating that when elected, the “only thing [I] committed to” was to have one specific referendum - which he achieved in 2023 with the Australian Indigenous Voice referendum.

Albanese is a “lifelong republican” and has repeatedly made his feelings clear on the matter - he has previously said: “I think that Australia should have an Australian as our head of state, I don’t shy away from that.”

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However, earlier this year, he told local media that a referendum on such a vote is “not a priority” and there is “no timeline” for it.

Australians have already voted against becoming a republic, back in 1999 when 54 per cent of voters said no.

Following the late Queen’s death, coupled with infighting between William and Harry, many anti-monarchists hoped that this would signal the beginning of the end.

However, Albanese swore allegiance to Charles at his coronation last year, and insisted that despite his political views, he still has a “great deal of respect” for the King.

The PM also insisted that a referendum on whether Australia should become a republic is out of the question for the near future.

Buckingham Palace confirmed last week that the King and the Queen would be travelling to Australia and Samoa in October for a 10-day tour, a cut-back version of the original plan.

A spokesman said: “The King's doctors have advised that such an extended programme should be avoided at this time, to prioritise His Majesty's continued recovery.

“In close consultation with the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers, and with due regard for the pressures of time and logistics, it has therefore been agreed to limit the visit to Samoa and Australia only.

“Their Majesties send their warmest thanks and good wishes to all parties for their continued support and understanding.”